In Ulan-Ude, a fraudulent scheme targeted a local resident who was lured to a bank with the promise of obtaining a loan to purchase a car. The incident was documented on the website of the city’s Ministry of Internal Affairs as part of ongoing public safety alerts. The victim visited the bank with the expectation of securing financing, but the bank staff became suspicious due to unusual questions and the customer’s anxious demeanor. After the employee raised concerns, the man left the bank abruptly, signaling that something was amiss.
On March 26, the security service reported to the OSO UR Department of the Ulan-Ude police that a man had entered a financial institution seeking a loan of 700,000 rubles to buy a car. The bank employee reportedly appeared unsettled by the 60-year-old client’s behavior, which suggested he might have been pressured or duped, and the transaction did not proceed. The case highlights how scammers attempt to exploit legitimate financial processes, exploiting trust and urgency to push vulnerable individuals toward unfamiliar or risky financial commitments.
Authorities acted quickly to track down the man after he did not respond to standard communications. By coordinating with the leadership of the business involved, officers were able to demonstrate to the citizen that criminal elements were attempting to coerce him into applying for the loan. The intervention aimed to prevent potential financial loss and to deter further exploitation of residents in similar predicaments.
Separately from this incident, a separate report from the Ryazan region describes a different fraud involving a monastery psalmist who deceived a parishioner out of 550,000 rubles by promising two cars. The case underscores a recurring pattern where con artists leverage religious or community trust to gain access to victims’ funds, often through high-pressure tactics and promises of immediate, tangible rewards. Local authorities advise residents to verify all loan or financial requests independently, to question any unusual urgency, and to consult with trusted financial advisers before committing to large sums of money. Community programs emphasize vigilance and education to help residents recognize red flags early, such as unfamiliar intermediaries, pressure to act quickly, or requests for personal financial details under the guise of security protocols. By staying informed and maintaining open lines of communication with legitimate financial institutions, individuals can reduce the risk of falling prey to similar scams.